{"id":2180,"date":"2025-11-04T09:43:03","date_gmt":"2025-11-04T09:43:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/impactsummit.sk\/spaja-ich-snaha-o-lepsi-svet-pozname-desiatku-impact-summit-nextgen-2025\/"},"modified":"2025-11-12T13:22:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T13:22:10","slug":"they-want-to-create-a-better-world-who-are-the-ten-finalists-of-2025-impact-summit-nextgen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/impactsummit.sk\/en\/they-want-to-create-a-better-world-who-are-the-ten-finalists-of-2025-impact-summit-nextgen\/","title":{"rendered":"They Want to Create a Better World. Who Are the Ten Finalists of 2025 Impact Summit #nextgen?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Some work in international organizations, others are launching their own startups or have extensive experience in the civic sector. What unites the participants of the #nextgen program is a strong motivation to address societal challenges and bring innovative, meaningful solutions.\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slovakia is experiencing a noticeable outflow of young talents abroad. At the Pontis Foundation, we believe that listening to the voices of the new generation matters. Through the Impact Summit #nextgen<\/a>, we aim to create a space for young people who have the potential to shape Slovakia\u2019s future in the coming years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal of the #nextgen<\/strong> initiative is not only to build a network of ambassadors for key social topics that the Impact Summit addresses but also to create a database of potential future speakers. In the years to come, they may stand on the summit stage and share their perspective on the direction our country should take. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program is designed to support young people who want to channel their energy and ideas into improving quality of life in Slovakia. We searched for future leaders aged 18\u201335, who will receive free admission to the Impact Summit 2025, the opportunity to co-create the next edition, join a roundtable with the speakers, and network with people from business, public institutions, and the civic sector. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They Chose Not to Give up on Slovakia\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSixty-five candidates submitted their applications, which far exceeded our expectations. We see it as a confirmation that young people are not indifferent to what is happening around them \u2014 they want to be part of it,\u201d<\/em> says #nextgen program consultant Petra Lupt\u00e1kov\u00e1. She adds that candidates came from business, NGOs, and public administration \u2014 including both Forbes 30 Under 30 alumni and newly emerging talents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The selection committee \u2014 Martina Koles\u00e1rov\u00e1<\/strong> (Co-CEO, Pontis Foundation), Norbert Maur<\/strong> (Senior Program Manager, Pontis Foundation), and Simona Ke\u010dke\u0161ov\u00e1<\/strong> (PR Consultant, Grayling Slovakia) \u2014 noted that choosing only ten finalists was difficult due to the high quality of the applications. As a result, they decided to offer free Impact Summit entry to seventeen additional applicants beyond the #nextgen ten. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe applications reflected strong values and a thoughtful view of the world. More than once, we said to ourselves: we were not this mature at their age. Young people have our full admiration for what they have already achieved,\u201d<\/em> says P. Lupt\u00e1kov\u00e1. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In selecting the final ten, the committee considered how closely applicants align with the spirit of the summit, how participation could support their personal or professional growth, and their engagement in public life \u2014 especially in their local regions. They also looked at their ability to collaborate within their communities, inspire others, and involve new people. Balance across sectors was also taken into account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introducing #nextgen 2025\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The younger generation faces unprecedented challenges, but also extraordinary opportunities. Rapid technological development and rising crises demand adaptability. Yet, the selected participants are able to maintain strong values and actively contribute to the civic life.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participants of Impact Summit #nextgen 2025 (alphabetical order):\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n